Lake Shelbyville - As of 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday January 6, 2016 the pool elevation at Lake Shelbyville was 617.37. feet, referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), with a release of approximately 3,130 cubic feet per second (cfs). The inflow for Wednesday January 6, 2016 was approximately 2,860 day second feet (dsf). With current precipitation on the ground, Lake Shelbyville crested at 617.4 feet NGVD on Tuesday January 5, 2016. With the high pool levels, projected releases will be increased to 3,500 cfs today, 4,000 cfs on Thursday January 7th, and 4,500 cfs on Friday January 8th.
Lake Shelbyville Dam is operating as designed, helping reduce flood stages on the Lower Kaskaskia River, Carlyle Lake, and the Mississippi River.
The rising pool has impacted some recreation areas around the lake. Boat launch facilities will remain open in all major recreation areas with the exception of Whitley Creek and Wilborn Creek. All secondary boat ramps are closed. This includes Coal Shaft Bridge, Sand Cove Road, Johnson’s Bluff and Bruce West.
The Chief Illini Trail, Coon Creek Nature Trail, and Okaw Bluff Trail are all closed. Hikers can still use the Camp Camfield Trail and parts of the General Dacey Trail.
During this high water period, boaters should use extra caution on the lake and be aware of lower bridge clearances, floating debris and submerged hazards. As the water at Lake Shelbyville continues to remain above normal levels, visitors should be aware that some areas will be temporarily impacted. If an area is posted closed please do not enter the area. Do not put yourself and others at risk.
For more information, contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951 or email at
lakeshelbyville@usace.army.mil